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Find out the secrets and symbolism that lie in the most unexpected parts of our nation's capital in Matt Lauer's exclusive interview with Dan Brown, author of "The Lost Symbol," the follow-up to "The Da Vinci Code."
Matt Lauer and NBC television are morons.
This program is yet another symptom of the lost searchings of a pagan society and a corrupt, narcissistic media.
Enjoy your viewing ratings, Matt. They're in the basement.
#1 - Fri Oct 16, 2009 9:06 PM EDTThat comment makes you the most ignorant of them all if you refer to Freemasonry as paganism because if you knew a damn thing "pagan"s are polytheistic where Freemasons are required to believe in a singular unifying creator. Your closed mindedness is exactly the problem with fundamentalists who don't understand what they are not willing to explore.
You condemn that which you fear: truth. The special- of course was a teaser to sell books-that doesn't make the media of NBC and Matt Lauer corrupt. There is corruption in the media, but this wasn't it. The study of pagans...sheesh...how about just enjoying any study in order to learn intriguing history we weren't taught in school.
Saw the show last night on NBC. Think again, my friend.
My grandfather was a 33rd degree Scottish Rite mason. My father was always a mason in Scottish Rite. In 1961, I was forced to be initiated into the Rainbow Girls, which is freemasonry for young girls. It was very frightening. What was depicted in the NBC special is real, even for Rainbow Girls. Hoods, candles on the floor, stations in what I remember to be a three sided square. I can't remember much else as I was 12 at the time or maybe 11. I'm now 58 years old and I can tell you in all honesty that what was depicted last night on NBC insofar as initiation is concerned is true. My mother was an Eastern Star, which is for the wives of masons. I've always thought there was something very strange about this freemasonry stuff, having experienced it myself. I wish I could find out specifically more about what my grandfather did as a 33rd degree Scottish Rite freemason. My grandfather was also a veterinarian in Fayetteville, AR during the early 1900's until he died in the early 50's. Keep this in mind before you make up your mind about the freemasons.
Wow this post is all wrong. Forced into Rainbow girls... no such thing. LOL
This is a very interesting special. I'm currently starting the book. Now I have some insight on what goes on with the Free Mason.
#2 - Fri Oct 16, 2009 9:46 PM EDTShame on you, Dateline, for cuing the scary music when you mentioned that the Institute of Noetic Sciences was studying distant healing/prayer with federal money. Why no mention that IONS was founded by NASA astronaut Edgar Mitchell or that they've been funding and conducting well-respected research, and artfully communicating that research, for more than 30 years? I've been a proud member of IONS for more than a dozen years and am always challenged and intrigued by their cutting-edge work at the frontiers of science. The special was good overall, but regarding IONS, you could have done better.
#3 - Fri Oct 16, 2009 10:05 PM EDTAnd whoever did their research should be fired because it's no secret that Edgar Mitchell is a Freemason so why didn't they interview him, he's on both sides of the spectrum!
I thought it was very interesting (I'm a huge fan of Dan Brown!). It did cause me to question, however, what our current political leaders may or may not believe. I came across this book called "the Medusa Code" that was heavily promoted as Pres. Obama's reading. I don't know, but it did seem to be a book that would read along the lines of Neoteric Science. I wonder if Dan Brown has heard of it?
#4 - Fri Oct 16, 2009 10:06 PM EDTI'd love to discuss the book at length, but it'd be a spoiler for book lovers like me. Loved the book, except I felt the end was weak. That is, until I heard Dan Brown thank Matt Lauer describe it as a call to action. I like the ending better now! As I suspected, though, the special was a teaser to buy the book or go to the movie that I think is being made. I knew all this stuff already...but was very refreshing to hear Dan Brown speak. Who better to weave a story like this than a skeptic? He studies (fact) and supposes (fiction). The special could've had more meat-and some desert as well. But the author Dan Brown is an icon, one whom writers should aspire to be...one who makes the reader think, ponder, suppose, study, and learn. I've read all except I'm on Digital Fortress right now. None disappoint a bit! Thank you Dan Brown for hours of real entertainment. However, after I'm done with Digital Fortress and before your new book comes out I will, alas, have to settle for lesser authors.
#5 - Fri Oct 16, 2009 10:47 PM EDTOne question...the number 33...sure, I get the 33 vertebrae, but Jesus teaching at 33? I thought that Free Masons were not based on Christianity, but embraced all religions with one God. This is where I get confused...any answers?
The 33rd relates more to the Scottish Rite order of Freemasonry which is a Christian branch so Jesus would apply there.
Scottish Rite isn't "a Christian branch" by any stretch of the imagination. The York Rite is an order that requires Christian belief in some parts of it. The Scottish Rite very specifically not dedicated entirely and wholly to christianity and welcomes all.
So there IS a Christian branch in a group that was born on the belief in ONE God, yet specifically founded to embrace all religions and schools of thought with that belief. A Christian branch under the umbrella of Free Masons, then, seems an oxymoron.
Sorry, didn't mean to confuse guess i got them mixed up. What you're missing Annette is that entry into the order requires belief in a unifying "creator" and I use that term loosely because unless you are an Atheist any school of thought as you put it IS accepted. Now I am not a Mason myself, yet but I have had conversations with lodge masters with regards to joining.
And believing in a unifying creator is called "Deity." Is this correct? One God?
This would include any religion that is based on the premise of the Abrahamic God. (As first proclaimed-a ONE God-by Abraham.) This includes Islam, too!
Would Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, and other eastern "religions" pertain, or are these considered "schools of thought?"
I'd like to learn more and discuss. How about Goodreads, group: Dan Brown? Hope to see you there, RisenPhoenix, and all!
To clear things up a bit... and I am a Free Mason of the York Rite. The Scottish rite tends to be more encompassing of many religions. With no one real specific religion at the forefront. Where as the York Rite is very specifically Christian from the very beginning until the end. As a free Mason in the blue lodge the religion and bible are decided by the members. In my case I belong to a lodge of Christian men. Therefore we use the holy bible with the old and new testaments. I am a Sir Knight of the knight Templars. That is about as high as you are going to get in the York Rite. The Red Cross of Constantine would be next, but that is by invitation only. If anyone has any questions feel free to message or email me. One interesting side note about last nights program. Which I thought was great. It showed a lodge that practices alchemy. I don't know of a blue lodge that practices alchemy so that is a new one to me. I also don't think that drinking wine from a skull is required in the Scottish Rite. I do know that it is in the York Rite. So Mote it Be
Overall it was good interview and I'm happy they discussed the Institute of Noetic Sciences but it should have been a 2 part interview the first to discuss Freemasonry and the mysticism and the second to Noetic Science because there is an infinite amount of knowledge that would have warranted an 2nd hour. It wasn't even mentioned that the Founder of the Institute Ed Mitchell is the 6th man to walk on the moon and a Freemason himself so they didn't do a thorough investigation on the topics within The Lost Symbol to even make that connection. The book is a fantastic read and to those who are open to it a wealth of knowledge is contained within.
#6 - Fri Oct 16, 2009 11:15 PM EDTThis program can be summed up by the words of Christ in Revelation 2:24-26: "Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to [Jezebel's] teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you): Only hold on to what you have until I come." Of this scripture, Matthew Henry (ca. 1720's) commentated: "What these seducers call their doctrine- depths, profound mysteries, amusing the people, and endeavouring to persuade them that they had a deeper insight into religion than their own ministers had attained to. What Christ called them- depths of Satan, Satanical delusions and devices, diabolical mysteries; for there is a mystery of iniquity, as well as the great mystery of godliness. It is a dangerous thing to despise the mystery of God, and it is as dangerous to receive the mysteries of Satan." The Gospel is sufficient; don't be polluted with lies and twisted nonsense under the pseudonyms of science, intellect, research, etc.
#7 - Fri Oct 16, 2009 11:41 PM EDTI enjoyed tonight's dateline. I grew up in a very religious family but when I started studying on my own about 2 years ago (I'm 44) I found out some very interesting things. I started with the "kingdom of heaven" because it was to be the key to abundance. My search took me to some strange places I never expected to go - some of the same places it took Dan.
Kudos to Dan Brown for being unafraid to reveal his path.
#8 - Fri Oct 16, 2009 11:48 PM EDT
When researching Masonry, there's one very important thing to recognize: there's no overall ruling body for it. Individual local lodges are organized under a Grand Lodge, and each Grand Lodge acts sort of like a 'country' and is in charge of Masonry for a certain region. These Grand Lodges then communicate to each other through things a lot like treaties, like real countries do. Therefore ritual, interpretation, and to some extent symbology vary between them all.
One big thing that Brown misses is that the 33° (indeed, every degree 'above' the 3°) isn't actually higher-ranking; it just means that Mason is also the member of an "appendant body" like the Scottish or York Rites. Those are best imagined as "extracurricular clubs" which developed more pomp, circumstance, and esoteric meaning around the original three degrees.
Take his call to action to research, but be careful to realize what angles people are selling.
#9 - Sat Oct 17, 2009 12:11 AM EDTDan Brown showed up very well, was enthsiastic and challenging. That NBC left out the connection of Edgar Mitchell was a sad commentary on the media. Overall, the program will have sold more books, I'm sure, not the worst thing to happen. The more people probe, the more they find out for themselves.
#10 - Sat Oct 17, 2009 4:35 AM EDTMy husband is a free mason.We really enjoyed the program with Matt.
We would like to tape the interview. Where can we go to view & tape it
#11 - Sat Oct 17, 2009 11:25 AM EDTMatt did a wonderful job and the interview was concise and very informative. I was glad to see that both Noetic Science and the University of Philosophical Research, with Dr. Obadiah Harris, was included--they are leaders in the field of open inquiry, in science and philosophy. Both organizations are cutting edge leaders in consciousness studies, and I was very impressed by Dan Brown's recognition of them. I was also impressed that the discussion focused a minute on Manly Hall's The Secret Teaching of All Ages--one of the most pertinent, profound, and scholarly works on symbolic philosophy.
#12 - Sat Oct 17, 2009 1:38 PM EDTMatt did a wonderful job and the interview was concise and very informative. I was glad to see that both Noetic Science and the University of Philosophical Research, with Dr. Obadiah Harris, was included--they are leaders in the field of open inquiry, in science and philosophy. Both organizations are cutting edge leaders in consciousness studies, and I was very impressed by Dan Brown's recognition of them. I was also impressed that the discussion focused a minute on Manly Hall's The Secret Teaching of All Ages--one of the most pertinent, profound, and scholarly works on symbolic philosophy.
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#13 - Sat Oct 17, 2009 1:53 PM EDTIs there a way to found out if my grandfather was a Freemason? I remember seeing a ring he wore that looked like the Masonic symbol.
#14 - Sat Oct 17, 2009 2:39 PM EDTYes there is ... but it would help to know what State he resided in while he was a member of a Free Mason lodge. Once that has been determined. You can usually go to that states FreeMason archieves. They may be found on the internet under their state Grand Lodge website. Or you may have to go to a physical location. In my case that would be in Detroit Michigan. Hope that helps.
It's great to see that Dan Brown mentions Deism and the founding fathers who embraced it! Deism should be a household word, especially in America and Europe. It's great to know that because of Deism we are not limited to believing in either "revealed" religions which violate our God-given reason or Atheism and Agnosticism!
Progress! Bob Johnson
www.deism.com
#15 - Sat Oct 17, 2009 5:45 PM EDTMatt Lauer should have done some research. According to the people who buildt the Washington Monument the capstone weighs 6,300 pounds not 3,300. (Google this, there's a pdf of the original newspaper report on the net.)
#16 - Sun Oct 18, 2009 5:22 PM EDTCan't weigh it now...! I think the 33 thing is pushed way too far
If you are interested in seeing Noetic Science in action, you will be interested in Cleveland-local doctor, Issam Nemeh, M.D. who has been researching the miraculous effects of long distance prayer. He has documented a number of recoveries by prayers over the phone or internet video conferencing.
Check out this television news special which discusses the scientific aspects of long distance healing.
For more information on Dr. Nemeh and his work, be sure to check out these sites:
PathToFaith.com
DrNemeh.com
#17 - Tue Oct 20, 2009 11:18 AM EDTIf you are interested in seeing Noetic Science in action, you will be interested in Cleveland-local doctor, Issam Nemeh, M.D. who has been researching the miraculous effects of long distance prayer. He has documented a number of recoveries by prayers over the phone or internet video conferencing.
Check out this television news special which discusses the scientific aspects of long distance healing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--Gq6k2PnYE
For more information on Dr. Nemeh and his work, be sure to check out these sites:
http://PathToFaith.com
http://DrNemeh.com
#18 - Tue Oct 20, 2009 11:20 AM EDTHey, I started a new group discussion, Dan Brown vs Religion, but it is not coming up...
#19 - Tue Oct 20, 2009 6:37 PM EDTDan Brown writes fiction to sell books and make money. I can't imagine why anybody would take what he writes as truth, when it isn't. The Bible isn't fiction, it is truth. It's the only book I need.
#20 - Fri Oct 23, 2009 12:14 PM EDT"Matt Lauer: Again, can you imagine anyone putting forth that notion of politicians as gods? .... --you'd be run out of town."
Gee, what do you call this Yobama Messiah worship???
#21 - Wed Oct 28, 2009 1:16 PM EDTWhether it be the Roman Catholic Church or Freemasonry, Dan Brown is making a fortune with faulty research, ridiculous theories, scurulous accusations, and poor, over the top writing. You can't underestimate the intelligence of the public; they will be titillated and accepting of anything that brings down credible institutions.
#22 - Sat Nov 28, 2009 9:17 AM ESTI've been thinking a lot of similar things recently, and I hadn't even heard of this book (and especially hadn't seen this special) until today. It's nice to see stupid rumors about Freemasons running the world dispelled for once.
http://io1011.blogspot.com/2009/11/too-much-science-not-enough-fiction.html
#23 - Thu Dec 31, 2009 6:56 PM ESTYou're in Easy Mode. If you prefer, you can use XHTML Mode instead. |
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